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Conservation

The conservation of its treasures for future generations is one of a Museum’s most important and essential tasks. At The Ringling, this responsibility is central to our mission, extending not only to the art and artifacts of Museum of Art, but to Ca' d’Zan, the Circus Museum and the Historic Asolo Theater as well.

While each of these venues and the work found in them requires different types of care, we strive to display, handle and maintain their collections in ways that assure their long-term stability. We also work to prevent damage by constantly monitoring the environment in which the work is kept, considering climate control, light levels and proper installation. Our treatments are designed to be reversible and as minimally invasive as possible so that as new treatment methods and technologies emerge they can be employed for the restoration of a piece. And because we always consider our aesthetic responsibility not to obscure the artist’s original intent in creating the work, we strive to reintegrate any areas of treatment without drawing attention to our work.

Located in the Education Center, the Conservation Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the art tools that include an IFF retractable 360 degree rota-table, ceiling fixtures and NULITE full color spectrum lights. An Integrated Pest Management argon unit is used to treat diverse Museum works of art in preventative methodology. The facilities also include secure storage facilities that are built above the flood plane in which the collection can be preserved.